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Top 10 Products That Scream All-American . . . But Aren't

CitizenSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:30:22 -0700

What do Budweiser, Church's Chicken, and Toll House cookies have in common? Not that they're the fixins of a perfect three-course meal (or that they're all brown, though that occurred to me judging from the pic) these goodies all made The List Universe's list of "Top 10 American Icons That Are Not American." We took a peek at 10 decidedly Made-in-the-USA products a while back — comparing the two lists, it seems like Firestone Tires (Japan) are the anti-Harley Davidson (USA.)

Also on the list of "you're not from around here, are you?" Dial soap, Holiday Inn, and 7-Eleven. The stories behind the products are pretty fetch: for instance, Church's Chicken was invented across the street from the Alamo, but was sold in 2004 to an Islamic venture capital firm in Bahrain. The company doesn't invest in any businesses who deal in pork or porn among other items prohibited by Sharia law, a position that's gotten the business sued by franchise owners.

Though the roots of a product are a little different than the politics of a company, do you pay attention to where something comes from before you buy? Check out the whole list to see the story behind the products and where they're from.

Chinese Made in the USA Tee — Pointed Critique or Pointless?

CitizenSugar — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:00:10 -0700

With all of the controversial news that's sprung to life out of China during these Olympics (protesting and grandmas facing labor camps, to name a few) this t-shirt encompasses a whole slew of thoughts behind the complicated nature of the relationship between China and the US. The design is pretty cute — and the slogan, "Made in the USA" written in Chinese characters, makes a statement of its own. But between Chinese products causing trouble, manufacturing moving there, and China's growing economy, what appears to be a hipster fashion choice could very well have political implications. What do you think? Would you wear the statement?

Chinese Made in the USA Tee — Pointed Critique or Pointless?

Pointed Critique. It calls attention to China's looming presence in the US economy.

Pointless. Who's going to know what it even says? And China is far from taking over.

Other. I know it's just a t-shirt, but I have some stuff to say about it in the comments.

Shoptacular! Products Made in the USA

CitizenSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:00:34 -0700

Now, this is not as jingoistic as it may seem. I love the rest of the world and the products they make. But I am interested in where products come from (any show that follows the production of anything, I'll watch). With cognizance of goods' origins — and how far they had to travel to get to you (read: fuel consumption) — being especially important, here are some surprising, everyday, and well-loved products that are Made in the USA. Source